Finally the sun came out and the air warmed up.  The breeze scattered colorful leaves across paths and in front of everyone's eyes who chose to notice.  Apparently most people missed the weather forecast, because Eddy and I were nearly the only ones out to enjoy the perfect day.  That made it all the more perfect.

I dusted off the long ignored but beloved bicycle and Eddy's trailer and gathered together so many miscellaneous items involved in a ride.  There sure is a lot to these things!  Helpful Eddy wandered around finding things for me, until he became Patient Eddy, as he sat in the trailer and watched me run in and out and around with all the other things I forgot.  Air pumped, adorned, packed and ready, we crunched our way to the road and whizzed out of sight...of home, that is.

Down a long easy hill to quaint Afton, then around in circles until we found the beginning of the St. Croix River Trail, a bike path we've admired since moving here.  It was prettier than we'd thought, weaving in and out of woods and over creeks.  Leaves beneath, all around, and hanging over us became that shadowy mysterious world we visit every now and again, when our mind allows us.  Eddy called it the "dark tunnel," and enjoyed it immensely.

We re-emerged in the sun and on to the bridge crossing the St. Croix.  Here came the most majestic part of our day.  Right along the edge of the bridge and moving at a leisurely, look-around-you pace, we were able to take in the fullness of our River.  All those sparkles, that span, the walls of multi-colored trees from where the tiny docks poked out.  It made me swoon.  I unwisely stopped on the highway bridge and took a picture. I couldn't help myself.

The cool bike trail switched back at the end of the bridge and curved right under the highway on the other bank, rejoined the road, and turned to head right into historic downtown Hudson.  After many more picture stops, lessons in patience for Eddy, and a giant hill, we made it to the store.  It severely lacks a bike rack, but otherwise our errand went well.

Across town, down the giant hill, through downtown, and we rejoined our new friend, the bike trail.  Under the highway, over good view bridge, past fields and through woodsy tunnels to a wooden playground we went.  It was the best place to go.  A sedentary Eddy turned active and a worn out mommy sat on a bench on the phone.  Then back up, up, up the Afton Blvd. hill until...after...what seems like...forever...we made it home.  Yay!

Never underestimate the power of outdoor exercise!  Thank the Lord and my husband for this stay-at-home mom life I lead.  It has its perks.